New Missouri Laws Bring Changes to Sex Crimes & Prosecution

Last week, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon signed a pivotal piece of legislation
into law – legislation many believe will strengthen and intensify
the harsh laws on prosecuting and punishing those charged with sex crimes.

House Bill 215 was signed into law last Tuesday, July 2 by Governor Nixon.
The bill includes several provisions and changes to the Missouri criminal
justice system. Most notably, several elements of HB 215 expand the legal
definition of forcible rape, redefine certain
child pornography laws, and introduce new sentencing classifications for some sexual offenses.

Pivotal Legislative Changes and Their Impact on the Law

Under the previous Missouri law, the state defined rape as one person having
sexual intercourse with another by the use of "forcible compulsion"
– which can include the use of a substance to physically or mentally
impair a person without their knowledge or permission. Under HB 215, the
new law now expands the legal definition of rape to include situations
in which rape involves a person who is incapacitated, incapable of giving
consent, or who lacks the capacity to give consent. Supporters of the
bill, as well as the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence,
have expressed their approval of Governor Nixon's endorsement and
the fact that Missouri laws will now encompass the experience of victims.
For those who stand accused, these new changes can create heightened charges,
severe penalties, and more vigorous prosecution.

In addition to redefining the instances that constitute rape, HB 215 also
renames certain sex crimes and categorizes them into a tier system based
on their nature and severity. The new classification system is designed
to aid juries in deliberating sex crime cases, allowing them to convict
defendants of lesser offenses.

Yet another essential component of the new legislations involves an expansion
of the individuals who are unable to give consent for sexual contact.
Current Missouri laws state that people who are unable to make reasonable
judgments due to mental illness or intoxication are not able to give consent.
The new law will add people who have been drugged or who are unable –
for any other reason – to make reasonable decisions about the nature
or harmfulness of the sexual conduct.

Additional changes to sex crime laws will also clarify laws concerning
the possession of multiple images of child pornography. Previous state
laws stated that 20 images constituted a Class B felony and had to be
grouped together for prosecution. Now, with new changes brought about
by HB 215, defendants who have been charged with possession of multiple
images can face separate charges for each individual image. If a person
was arrested with 12 images, for instance, they can be charged with 12
counts of possession. As such, defendants in this situation may face harsher
criminal penalties, including the potential for longer terms of imprisonment.

St. Louis Sex Crime Lawyers at the Forefront of Changing Legislation

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, our team of St. Louis sex crime attorneys
devotes more than 30 years of experience to clients facing a wide range
of sex offense charges. As we know that
sex crime cases are often the most serious, the most exhaustive, and the most devastating
cases in the criminal justice system, we make it a point to leave no stone
unturned when fighting on behalf of our clients. In order to provide the
highest quality representation possible, our legal team also remains up
to date with changes in the law, including the new sex crime changes that
were enacted with the passing of HB 215.

At times when your life or your loved one's life may very well be on
the line, you need to turn to experienced, proven St. Louis criminal defense
attorneys who are capable of handling complex, high-stakes cases. These
new Missouri state laws are expected to significantly intensify prosecution
and punishment of alleged sex offenders, and anyone facing a sex crime
allegation in the area should make working with seasoned lawyers their
first priority. If you or someone you care about is facing any type of
sex crime allegation, allow our attorneys to confidentially review your
case, inform you of your rights, and explain precisely how we can protect
your future.
Contact The Hammer Law Firm, LLC today for the proven representation you need.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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